Pat Kinlen

Research ChemistSt. Louis, Missouri

“I enjoy building things and taking things apart to understand how they work. Working with advanced polymers is no different, since polymers are simply large molecules comprising many smaller, repeating molecules. It’s just understanding how something works—at the molecular level. I especially enjoy working on technologies that are ‘needle movers’—things that have great potential to add major value and make real improvements for customers in the years ahead. My team has been working on nontoxic ‘smart’ coatings for aluminum surfaces on commercial airplanes and defense products based on electroactive polymers. When corrosion occurs on metallic surfaces, it creates an electrochemical potential, or tiny electric current or charge. The idea is to develop electroactive coatings that can sense this and release inhibitors to neutralize corrosion processes before they cause potential structural damage.

I don’t think there's been a more exciting time to be an aerospace research chemist. I am pleased to be part of the innovative team at Boeing that is connecting great ideas with some of our customers’ toughest technology challenges.”

Shanying Zeng

Technical Fellow, Chemical Technology GroupSeattle, Washington

Shanying Zeng is Boeing’s technical expert on the International Aerospace Environmental Group, which is developing common procedures and requirements for environmentally progressive alternatives to regulated materials, such as chrome. She leads a group of scientists and engineers who are helping Boeing find environmentally progressive alternatives for hazardous chemicals and material used in commercial and military aircraft. One example is the chemical widely used as a flame retardant on surfaces and parts throughout most aircraft. Manufacture and import of the chemical in the United States were phased out at the end of 2013 because of concern over its effects on human health and the environment.

“Finding suitable replacements for the chemical has been a challenge since it was used on more than 155 materials on our commercial and military products. Our focused research at Boeing has led to the development of effective alternatives for 154 of these aircraft applications. The feeling of being able to make a difference makes work at Boeing so rewarding. I was part of the team that developed the carbon-fiber composite material used on the 787 Dreamliner. Now when I see the 787 flying, I think ‘Wow, I wasn’t just doing R&D. This really is a special place to work.‘”

Joe Finn

Senior Engineer, Chemical TechnologyRidley Park, Pennsylvania

“Reaching major environmental milestones and research breakthroughs … we know it’s going to take time. We make continuous progress and improvements step by step. We learn as we go. When an industry-developed chrome-free primer gets government approval for aerospace use, Boeing then conducts its own testing and evaluation to ensure that the material meets the company’s performance requirements and criteria. A replacement option may not be suitable for all applications.

There also is close collaboration among programs and sites across Boeing, and research progress is widely shared. Talking to people across the company about these kinds of technical issues is very exciting. Boeing really cares about the integrity of its products, and that includes safety and the environment. I think we’re building the best aircraft in the world.”

Carlos Guzman

Manufacturing Research and Development EngineerEverett, Washington

“I’ve been part of a team that is building something that has never been built before at this scale. I’m co-manufacturing lead on NASA’s Composite Cryotank Technologies and Demonstration contract, under which Boeing designed and built two all-composite fuel tanks for use on next-generation heavy launch space vehicles. If implemented, this technology can reduce fuel tank weight by 30 percent, reduce cost by 25 percent, and increase payload capability on future human space exploration missions beyond low Earth orbit.

As a manufacturing lead, I am pulled in numerous directions every day. I love the fact that my job allows me to offset scheduling and budgeting tasks with hands-on factory-floor work. When our work pushes the envelope, Boeing employees kick into overdrive and work together toward a common goal. Building strong professional and personal relationships helps get the job done and provides a foundation for future efforts.”

Nieves Lapeña Rey

Senior Technical Manager, Materials and Fuel CellsMadrid, Spain

“Boeing is leading the way to reduce the environmental impact of aircraft interiors ahead of competitors. At Boeing Research & Technology–Europe we have developed novel sustainable sidewalls made of flax fibers, natural resins and a recyclable foam that offer similar technical performance than current technology but have almost negligible environmental impact. The novel sustainable sidewalls can be produced using conventional production techniques at current production rates.

The main technical challenges the team is currently facing include improving the panels impact resistance and the lap shear strength without jeopardizing the properties already achieved, such as low weight, thickness, excellent fire resistance, adhesion, flexural strength, acoustic isolation and resistance to the operating conditions inside the aircraft cabin (temperature, humidity, dust, cleaning products, etc.).”